South Sikkim Earthquake Report

Message
I am pleased to know that the South District Administration is bringing out Magazine to
document the various steps taken by the administration in dealing with the crisis caused by
the earthquake of 18th September 2011. Historically, we were face to face with the greatest
of natural calamity of our time, our grit and patience tested to the hilt. However, thanks to the
incredible strength and forbearance, deep understanding and a sense of human compassion
forthcoming from the fellow Sikkimese, we overcame the trauma in the shortest of time, working
on immediate relief and rehabilitation and deliberate on the long-term program of prevention
and mitigation.
Sikkim as it falls in the seismic zone has always been vulnerable to devastating earthquake.
This time around, we could re-emphasise with a sense of increased urgency need to improve
upon our technical program and upgrade our technological inputs. Learning from our
shortcomings, it is time that we strengthen our resolve to evolve best practices of disaster
management so that we are able minimize the after effects and raise the level of our safety
and security measures, if ever we face such a catastrophe again in the future.
As we mark the passage of a year since the devastating quake a year ago, I commend the
efforts of the State Government officials, relief workers, NGOs, volunteers and the cooperation
of people to deal with the situation. Let me also congratulate the South District administration
for bringing out this important publication to generate greater awareness among people
about natural calamity.
With best wishes
Pawan Chamling
Chief Minister of Sikkim
SOUTH SIKKIM EARTHQUAKE REPORT
3
September 18 2011